Next to the Bible itself, one of the two most important books I've read on those themes of life, faith, and what it means to struggle through life byNext to the Bible itself, one of the two most important books I've read on those themes of life, faith, and what it means to struggle through life by faith through grace. I'm a great Lewis fan generally, but this little book is exceptional Lewis. It changed the way I think about my faith, particularly the interface of faith with daily life.

"...the terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self-all your wishes and precautions-to Christ. But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead. For what we are all trying to do is to remain what we call 'ourselves,' to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life... The more we get what we now call 'ourselves' out of the way and let Him take us over, the more truly ourselves we become."

comprises a concise, reformed treatise on the person and work of Christ and soteriology. don't be fooled; this slim little book doesn't read like a tecomprises a concise, reformed treatise on the person and work of Christ and soteriology. don't be fooled; this slim little book doesn't read like a text. part two: redemption applied moved me to tears. ...more

fascinating, true story of an inmate in a lunatic asylum who emerged as one of the most prolific contributors to the compilation of the oxford-englishfascinating, true story of an inmate in a lunatic asylum who emerged as one of the most prolific contributors to the compilation of the oxford-english dictionary. this short work of non-fiction chronicles the strange tale of "the madman," a former US Army doctor (he served w/union troops in the american civil war), and how he came to be living in an institution for the mentally insane somewhere in england in the late 19th century as "the professor" and his colleagues began work on the OED, a project many now hail as the single greatest literary collaboration of the english-speaking world.

Divided into four sections: affection, friendship, eros, and charity. Lewis lost me a bit in eros ( something about preserving humor in romantic love-Divided into four sections: affection, friendship, eros, and charity. Lewis lost me a bit in eros ( something about preserving humor in romantic love-he seems almost uncomfortable in this discussion), but his discussions of affection and friendship are excellent. His examples resonate well with experience; and, as usual, he draws out salient, spiritual underpinnings. Spot on. ...more

really appreciate winchester's ability to write nonfiction/biography with the ease and accessibility of a good story. will definitely look for more ofreally appreciate winchester's ability to write nonfiction/biography with the ease and accessibility of a good story. will definitely look for more of his!...more

great introduction to the major world views throughout the history of human thought. a must-read for those who wonder about the fragmentation and howgreat introduction to the major world views throughout the history of human thought. a must-read for those who wonder about the fragmentation and how each of us has arrived at our own place in that history. placed in all three categories because i read it at rts for one of my mft classes.

accessible writing with an almost narrative sense of forward motion. good reading!...more

eldredge's books came to my shelves at just the right time– opened the eyes of my heart toward God and the Bible in all new ways. i'll be forever grateldredge's books came to my shelves at just the right time– opened the eyes of my heart toward God and the Bible in all new ways. i'll be forever grateful. ...more

i read this during a difficult time in my personal life many years ago. i think its impact has survived that crisis and continues to influence me, pari read this during a difficult time in my personal life many years ago. i think its impact has survived that crisis and continues to influence me, particularly how i relate to my husband, in subtle but practical ways. ...more

what i read of it was interesting. first chapter is all about john gottman's marriage labratory- cool to read a familiar name. if i had picked it up ewhat i read of it was interesting. first chapter is all about john gottman's marriage labratory- cool to read a familiar name. if i had picked it up earlier, i might have read more. it was due back to the library today, and i have february book club selection waiting... alas. ...more

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I'll begin with the disclosure that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.

Review: FascinaIn accordance with FTC guidelines, I'll begin with the disclosure that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.

Review: Fascinating story, particularly given my current work. So profound to realize the choices that bind or set free a life: makes me think of that line in Great Expectation when Pip writes of his first trip to Satis House and the chain that binds him from that day forward. Dickens's writes "it is the same with any life" and explains that for each of us there is a day or a moment that creates the first link in the chain "of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers” that will bind us. Moore's narrative traces the chain on both sides, the iron and the gold. Poignant and powerful. ...more

finally finished this selection after months of alternating between it and various other fiction reads. guiness definitely sparks deep thoughts aboutfinally finished this selection after months of alternating between it and various other fiction reads. guiness definitely sparks deep thoughts about life and what i'd call the gospel realities of living "in" but not "of" the world. thought-provoking and convicting by turns. a worthy read. ...more

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I'll begin with the disclosure that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.

Review: A wondIn accordance with FTC guidelines, I'll begin with the disclosure that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.

Review: A wonderful and adventuresome read. The narrator/author is also twice a thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail and actually holds the current record as the fastest female hiker of it. She hiked from Mount Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia, 2175 miles of trail, in just 57 days; and she logged an average of 38 miles per day on that thru-hike. Impressive.

The writing here is not what I would call lyric or terribly beautiful; actually, it puts me in mind of the kind of statements she makes about the lifestyle of thru-hiking itself and all it represents that she came to value. Simplicity and strength. Few thrills or distractions. Good solid prose, particularly in descriptive passages of the trail itself and her inner odyssey along the way. The narrative breaks down a bit around dialogue, particularly in her attempts toward the end to render the brief romantic sparks with Nightwalker, another thru-hiker she realizes, on her final night, she met at the first shelter her first night on the trail! True coincidence and a testimony to how much 2000+ miles (and in his case a lot of facial hair) can change two people.

Overall, a worthwhile read. Challenging, too, to my sense of comfort and convenience. I like to think of myself as a tough girl and as someone who likes a physical challenge. I've also thought a lot about both the AT and the PCT. Yes, I've thought about them... hmm......more

wow. i'm taking quite awhile to digest this. keller's style is narrative and accessible. i seem always to pick up a fiction piece that diverts all mywow. i'm taking quite awhile to digest this. keller's style is narrative and accessible. i seem always to pick up a fiction piece that diverts all my attention. i do not feel happy to admit this.

snagged this one free at my AP workshop. having fun browsing the collection, ranging from sherman alexie to virginia woolf (literally the first and lasnagged this one free at my AP workshop. having fun browsing the collection, ranging from sherman alexie to virginia woolf (literally the first and last essays of the anthology)....more

my husband found this book for me. he thought i might like it, so i decided to read the forward... just checking it out... read the forward and chaptemy husband found this book for me. he thought i might like it, so i decided to read the forward... just checking it out... read the forward and chapter one before we left the store. :)

Remember almost nothing about this book other than that its title, taken from William Blake's poemThe Marriage of Heaven and Hell, sparked my interestRemember almost nothing about this book other than that its title, taken from William Blake's poemThe Marriage of Heaven and Hell, sparked my interest. So, only two stars because it clearly was not memorable......more

my husband and i have joined a discipleship group at our church, and the group will read this book together. i read the introduction and chapter one lmy husband and i have joined a discipleship group at our church, and the group will read this book together. i read the introduction and chapter one last night after missing the first meeting due to a migraine. the headache got better, so I got caught up with the group. i think i'll enjoy this- even thought of using keller's discussion of the trinitarian language that links genesis and the first chapter of mark's gospel as an example of textual support for my english students. brilliant!

9.7.11, chapter 1– talked of keller's central metaphor, the dance, which reminds me of the greek word i once knew (learned in systematic theology) and can't recall that describes the relationship among the trinity. three essential persons yet one being. a dance seems a fitting metaphor, anthropomorphism. keller writes of life as a "dance into battle" with God as partner leading the steps. it's a jarring juxtaposition, and it reminds me of little lucy pevensie asking the beaver about aslan, asking if he's "quite safe." beaver responds rather indignantly that, of course, he's not safe– he's a lion, and no one said anything about safe... but, continues beaver, he is good. no one ever said anything about the christian life being "safe," least of all Jesus. he rather warns us that there will be trouble, serious trouble and lots of it... but, he promises us, we are safe in his hands, that no one can pluck us from his care.

9.21.11, chapters 4-5– engaging discussion last night around mark's account of Jesus, on the sea of galilee, quieting the storm. keller focuses our attention on the disciples' reaction after the sea is calm; they are terrified. this act of commanding the wind and waves signifies Jesus's authority over the creation, over a part of the creation, the sea of galilee, that signified to the people of the region an ungovernable power. how much greater, then, the power and authority of the man who speaks, "quiet, be still!," and seas obey?

9.28.11, chapters 6-7–

10.5.11, chapter 8– keller points out that mary and martha approach jesus after the death of lazarus and speak to him with the same words but receive very different responses. he speaks to us according to our needs!

this quarter's discipleship group reading. i sat in on several of my husband's biblical theology classes one semester, so this is somewhat familiar tethis quarter's discipleship group reading. i sat in on several of my husband's biblical theology classes one semester, so this is somewhat familiar territory. should be an interesting companion to keller's book king's cross, read last quarter, which is organized according to the same principle– the bible as one book, with one author, and one over-arching theme.

4.1.12- good introductory lessons in biblical theology but not the most engrossing read. ...more

Found this at the junior league bargain boutique, and I remember when it was first published. I was working at Lemuria part-time, and we sold copies lFound this at the junior league bargain boutique, and I remember when it was first published. I was working at Lemuria part-time, and we sold copies like hot cakes. Like hot crumpets. No, like something blazing hot and very french. I would rather have died than be caught skimming those svelte lines and paragraphs. I was running half-marathons at the time, arrogantly confident that I could eat pretty much whatever I fancied, and blithely uninterested in frenchified gastronomic musings.

Fast forward seven years and fifteen printings to one chilly February evening, and you might have caught a glimpse of me (no longer running and many, many pounds heavier), devouring the aforementioned spurned pages. I'm feeling seriously inspired to take stock of mes habits gastronomique and perhaps perform some personal recasting (Guiliano's word) peu a peu, bien sur!...more

book's major premise: our problem is not that we want or desire too much but that we fail rightly to understand what we desire. we have been created tbook's major premise: our problem is not that we want or desire too much but that we fail rightly to understand what we desire. we have been created to desire the Creator. all else is meaningless distraction until we get this central truth. makes so much sense!...more

we're not quite finished with this in discipleship group, but i'm heartily sick of seeing it on my currently reading shelf. i'm also rather tired of dwe're not quite finished with this in discipleship group, but i'm heartily sick of seeing it on my currently reading shelf. i'm also rather tired of discussing it in group. our attendance has been sporadic for various reasons at least one of which (probably) is my less than enthusiastic commitment to the book itself. i have found it shallow, often, and at times contradictory of my reformed theological perspective on the matter of sin and and how, particularly, our emotional experience enters into the conscious decision to act in sinful ways. in short, this one has fallen far short of my expectations––like a thin broth, little meat....more

Found this on a chair at Half-Price Books in Austin and poured over it for hours while my husband browsed his favorite sections. Coco Chanel fascinateFound this on a chair at Half-Price Books in Austin and poured over it for hours while my husband browsed his favorite sections. Coco Chanel fascinates me, and I learned much about her background in this quick and easy read. Karbo also confirmed two of the reasons for my profound passion for chanel's design philosophy (not that I will ever personally own any real, couture Chanel): 1) if it doesn't fit and flatter you, tear it from your body and 2) if you can't move in it, really move, tear it from your body. Halleluiah, and praise God for Coco Chanel! ...more

I love Downton Abbey. Passionately adore it. My feelings about this book fall in another category entirely. I'll begin by admitting that I'm sloggingI love Downton Abbey. Passionately adore it. My feelings about this book fall in another category entirely. I'll begin by admitting that I'm slogging through it when I had expected to sail blithely. So, I had not anticipated to be challenged, but I had hoped for an intelligent presentation of the history of Highclere and its real inhabitants––the 5th Earl and Lady Carnarvon. I wanted a feast of imagery and detail for the DA lover. Instead I've found banal passages like this, "The descriptions of her dresses are mouthwatering. On one occasion 'her dress of all white orchids was much admired'" (94). I fail, somehow, to grasp the "mouthwatering" part of that description. It seems to me as though the 8th Countess has fallen so deeply in love with her own subject that she takes for granted, quite often in her narrative, that the reader will agree with whatever she says in whatever manner she presents it. "Don't you just love the way Almina did this? Said that? Wasn't she just the most amazing person?" How could the reader possibly disagree?

The problem is that I do think that Almina is a fascinating person. I just don't necessarily need to think of her every word, deed, and millinery choice as perfection. There are some nice descriptive passages in several chapters. Also in chapter 7, Edwardian Egypt (the same chapter referenced above), the author describes a party Almina hostessed at the Karnak Temple near their hotel on the banks of the Nile River during Lord Carnarvon's excavation of the Teta-Ky burial site in 1907. Staff from the Winter Palace Hotel served in "costumes inspired by the One Thousand and One Nights... The whole scene was flooded with moonlight as well as candles and lamps that Almina had arranged to throw into relief the columns of the Hippostyle Hall. When the meal finished, [the guests] wandered down to the Sacred Lake and contemplated in silence the breathtaking view before making their way back to the Winter Palace. Then the staff glided in and removed every trace of the event... as if the party had been a vision conjured up by one of the genies in Scheherazade's Arabian Nights" (101). This is a wonderful description. Only it has nothing whatever to do with Highclere Castle.

Generally speaking, the chapters seems muddled and chaotic. Paragraphs seem to wander widely from one topic to the next without much internal organization. The 8th Countess clearly knows how to write a sentence, but she seems not to know always how to string them together for the best or most cohesive chapters. Perhaps she is following the research, the documents her subjects left to her. Perhaps Almina wrote most descriptively of her life in foreign locales like Egypt and rather miserly of her day–to–day routine at Highclere. Still, "the real Downton Abbey" is less riveting than I had hoped–I will make every attempt to finish this, not to allow it to become a "did not finish."

In the end, I did finish this book and found it not altogether rubbish. The chapters on the war were interesting and, at points, instructive, although the writing continued to show evidence of the same chaotic, hodge–podge organizational pattern. The 8th Countess of Carnarvon seemed to find her stride and to write most fluidly in those chapters concerning the the Earl of Carnarvon's excavations in Egypt and his discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The concluding chapters made a muddle of Almina's later life and seemed to lose interest in her altogether after the death of Lord Carnarvon in 1922, although her remarriage to the ex–husband of a former friend excited a huge scandal and trial concerning alimony owed to the former wife. I'm not particularly interested in the sordid details of the trial itself, but it seems rather a lop–sided presentation of the persona to focus so intently on Almina's heroic endeavors during the war to the exclusion of her rather less heroic but nevertheless realistic exploits thereafter......more